The 2026 Jeep Recon is stepping into the spotlight as an all-new electric SUV that takes open-air adventure in a new direction. Jeep didn’t simply electrify something familiar. Instead, the brand approached this as a new project that delivers genuine capability with impressive EV power.
To better understand how Jeep designed the Recon, I sat down with Aamir Ahmed, Head of Off-Road and EVs at Jeep Brand. He walked me through the philosophy behind the Recon, the engineering choices that set it apart, and why its personality bridges the gap between new EV shoppers and traditional Jeep loyalists.
Trail Rated Power
Ahmed said the Recon was designed to be a performance off-road vehicle with a combination of power and capability that instantly set the tone for what Jeep wanted to accomplish. With 650 horsepower, it is the most powerful SUV under $70,000.
“What you are looking at is a first-ever trail-rated and open-air EV.” – Aamir Ahmed, Head of Off-Road and EVs, Jeep Brand
Jeep is introducing the Moab trim right out of the gate as the launch version of the new Recon. It rides on 33-inch all-terrain tires and features skid plates to protect it from even the most arduous off-road adventures. The approach was to use electrification to amplify the off-road DNA that is at the heart of the Jeep brand.
Authentic Jeep Character
When talking about the Recon’s mission, Ahmed said everything the brand does starts with the core pillars of utility and capability. Jeep wanted a vehicle that honored those roots while pushing deeper into its electrification. The Recon does not replace the Wrangler or attempt to be a direct EV equivalent. Instead, it expands the lineup with something that feels familiar yet new.
“This is so authentically who we are as a brand.” – Aamir Ahmed, Head of Off-Road and EVs, Jeep Brand
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Prepare to experience the great outdoors like never before with the 2026 Jeep Recon.
While the Recon lineup starts with the Moab, additional trims will be forthcoming. No matter which you choose, the silhouette stays unmistakably Jeep with a wide stance, upright posture, and practical proportions. The Recon is rooted in the heritage that shaped the brand.
A New Kind Of Open Air Experience
One of the standout features is the open-air design. The one-touch sky roof slides back at the press of a button, and the doors come off without tools, unlike the doors in the Wrangler. It also has a few unique aspects to its open-air approach.
“Every piece of glass except for the windshield comes off.” – Aamir Ahmed, Head of Off-Road and EVs, Jeep Brand
Removing the rear quarter glass and trunk glass is something the Wrangler does not offer. It gives the Recon a fully open-air personality while keeping the windshield fixed for practicality and comfort. The effect is a wider, more immersive cabin, especially for families who want the open feeling without going all in on the Wrangler’s flip-down windshield approach.
Family Friendly Strength
Jeep didn’t just build an off-road machine. Ahmed said the Recon is slightly wider than a Wrangler, with more rear seat legroom and a layout that supports family life as much as trail life. He has firsthand experience with that balance.
“I spent some time in one with my family putting my kids in the backseat, going through that use case.” – Aamir Ahmed, Head of Off-Road and EVs, Jeep Brand
There is also a family camera that lets the driver keep an eye on the kids in the back without turning around. Those touches show the Recon is not only for hardcore off-roaders. It’s designed for everyday routines, errands, and long weekends, not just dirt treks.
EV Enthusiasts And Jeep Loyalists
On one hand, the EV market continues to grow with buyers looking for something capable, stylish, and more adventurous than a typical electric SUV. On the other hand, there are Jeep fans who love the Wrangler’s spirit but want a bit more finesse. The Recon is for both camps.
“It’s certainly a little of both.” – Aamir Ahmed, Head of Off-Road and EVs, Jeep Brand
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The Recon uses independent front and rear suspension for improved on-road manners without sacrificing capability. It’s built to handle the trails at Moab yet tuned for everyday driving. This dual character gives Jeep a fresh foothold in a segment where electrification usually leans toward sleek urban crossovers rather than rugged ones.
Range And Capability
Jeep estimates the Recon will get 250 miles of range depending on the configuration. The Moab trim with its larger tires comes in at about 230 miles, which is still enough for plenty of adventure. That adventure includes splashing through water when the opportunity presents itself.
“That is what they are designed to do.” – Aamir Ahmed, Head of Off-Road and EVs, Jeep Brand
Ahmed pointed to a display showing the Recon submerged in 24 inches of water. Water fording matters at Jeep, and the engineering behind the Recon ensures that its EV components withstand the conditions Jeep owners are likely to encounter. It’s not just about range. It’s about confidence when the pavement ends.
Performance With Personality
For Ahmed, the Recon’s performance is one of its most exciting attributes. A 0–60 time of about three seconds is not what most people associate with off-road vehicles. The Recon delivers that power instantly and consistently, bringing a new kind of excitement to the Jeep lineup.
“It’s got all the power and finesse, and it’s got all the capability.” – Aamir Ahmed, Head of Off-Road and EVs, Jeep Brand
The 2026 Jeep Recon launches as an ambitious statement. It is not a replacement for anything in the lineup, but is the start of a broader, electrified future grounded in Jeep’s heritage. With trail-rated capability, open-air freedom, family-friendly design, and EV performance, the Recon is leading the way to Jeep’s future.